David Neal Hartman
Longtime Sag Harbor resident David Neal Hartman died on October 13 at his home on Upper Sag Harbor Cove. Fondly known as Neal, he was 64.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he moved to New York City in 1967 to begin a career show business. After many auditions, he was chosen to join the companies of “Hello, Dolly!” with Dorothy Lamour, “George M.” with Mickey Rooney and “Zorba the Greek” with John Raitt and Chita Rivera. According to survivors, Mr. Hartman said when discovered there were 400 dancers better than himself, he moved into the beauty business.
Mr. Hartman managed more than 20 beauty shops in New York City, then swiftly moved up the ladder to begin a long career at Revlon as a national trainer and makeup consultant. His duties included traveling across the United States, and even to Moscow, to promote color products for the company. Upon moving permanently to Sag Harbor, he became a sales person and manager at Allan M. Schneider Associates real estate. He later decided to return to Revlon, and did promotions with Walgreens.
After retiring, Mr. Hartman and his partner David Bray moved from Henry Street, where they had lived for more than 33 years, to a cottage on the Cove.
An avid supporter of multiple organizations in the Village of Sag Harbor, Mr. Hartman was deeply involved with the Sag Harbor Tree Committee, Christ Episcopal Church, and Sag Harbor Historical Society, to name a few. He was also involved with similar foundations in Key West, Florida, including the Trophia Butterfly Foundation.
In addition to his partner of 40 years, David Bray, he is survived by three brothers, William, Richard and Donald Hartman; and extended family around the country.
Interment of ashes will be in the spring at Oakland Cemetery in Sag Harbor.
on Oct 27, 2010